The HVAC system is responsible for maintaining comfortable temperatures in a residential or commercial building. This means keeping the interiors cool during the summer months and keeping them insulated and warm during the extreme cold. To ensure the HVAC system performs these tasks effectively, it is essential to undertake a scheduled maintenance of the setup.
Importance of Proper Tools in HVAC Maintenance
For technicians who oversee and handle this maintenance and repair, it is extremely vital to have the right set of tools. This can range from basic handheld tools such as screwdrivers and pliers to power tools and much more. In fact, there is a whole separate section of HVAC tools dedicated to measuring various parameters within the system. Lastly, one has to also consider proper safety gear. In this blog, a variety of these tools will be explored.
Essential Tools for HVAC Professionals
In this segment, some basic HVAC measuring tools are explored along with some specialty equipment.
Measuring Instruments and Gauges
– Tape Measure: A standard tape measure is key to knowing the dimensions of a particular part or duct that requires repair or replacement. Although most HVAC systems are standardized, a tape measure aids in more unique cases.
– Multimeter: Since an HVAC system has numerous complicated electrical circuits, it is vital to know which circuits are functioning properly and which require a closer inspection. This is done primarily with the aid of the multimeter tool. With this device, professionals can check for continuity in electrical circuits, as well as measure various parameters such as voltage and resistance.
– HVAC/R Thermometer: Sometimes, the issue might pertain to the refrigerant portion of the HVAC system instead of electrical circuits. To check if this segment is performing optimally, technicians take the help of an HVAC/R thermometer, which provides accurate data on the temperature of the air and the refrigerant. Therefore, professionals can detect any anomaly in cooling with this device.
– Psychrometer: Another aspect worth considering is the airflow within the system. This is measured with the aid of a tool known as a psychrometer. Apart from measuring airflow, the device is also used to detect relative humidity and the operating temperature of the wet bulb, a key component within the HVAC system.
Specialty HVAC Tools
Apart from measuring tools which encompass the diagnostic part of the equation, what can be done actively to prevent any issues in the HVAC system? The answer is a thorough cleaning with the aid of specialized equipment. Air duct cleaning tools such as duct cleaning vacuums, skipper balls, hoses and scrub brushes become essential to meticulously clean the HVAC ducts, thereby preventing many problems from occurring in the first place.
Furthermore, HVAC technicians also handle the cleaning and maintenance of dryer vents, which although not connected directly to the system, can cause a major impact in terms of safety and energy expenditure. These require a set of dryer vent cleaning equipment to remove any buildup of excess lint, dust and other debris, as failing to do so severely reduces the operation of the dryer. Lastly, if the buildup is severe enough, it can even cause fire hazards. Hence these duct and dryer vent cleaning tools become essential equipment for HVAC professionals.
Importance of Regular Filter Replacement
In the previous section, some common measuring tools and some specialized cleaning tools were explored. However, in terms of HVAC maintenance, the biggest culprit when it comes to sub-optimal performance is poorly performing filters. That being said, not all filters perform the same. Therefore, in this section, different types of HVAC filters and their importance in system performance will be addressed.
Types of HVAC Filters
– Panel Filters: These are easily replaceable fibreglass filters that don’t strain the HVAC system by a significant degree. However, panel filters mostly remove only large particles and contaminants. Disposable in nature, they are economical but must also be replaced regularly to prevent clogging and suboptimal filtration, which can eventually damage some major parts of the HVAC unit if left unaddressed.
– Pleated Filters: Comprising some combination of cotton or polyester, pleated filters are shaped like an accordion, that is the filter features multiple pleats. They are much more effective than fibreglass filters and can tackle smaller particles and contaminants with ease.
– HEPA Filters: To ensure maximum air purification and protection from pathogens in the air, most opt for high-efficiency particulate filters (HEPA). They are guaranteed to remove more than 99.7 percent of pollutants in the air. However, due to the intensive nature of filtration, it can create a significant load on the HVAC system.
– UV Filters: These use ultraviolet light to eliminate any bacteria, viruses or pathogens present in the air. However, they are not very adept at removing dust and other inorganic matter.
Impact of Filters on System Performance
As is evident, filters can impact the system’s performance in multiple ways. Primarily, it can increase the lifespan of the various components of the HVAC system by removing pollutants to some degree. However, in the case of highly effective HEPA filters, it can have an adverse effect in the long term as it requires more power to pull in air through these filters. That being said, it is obvious that filters need to be cleaned and replaced as per their lifespan to ensure optimal HVAC performance.
Advanced Tools and Technologies in HVAC
Apart from appropriate measuring tools, cleaning equipment, and filters, no HVAC maintenance toolkit is complete without some power tools and safety gear.
Power & Safety Tools
– Power Drill: During the installation or replacement of various HVAC components, it might be necessary to drill new holes to mount said equipment. This is made possible through the use of a power drill. Apart from drilling holes with ease, a form of drill/impact driver can also be used to fasten screws and nuts within the system.
– Handheld Power Saw: Apart from drilling holes, some situations might necessitate cutting. A handheld power saw is the best solution in this case as it can easily cut through steel, plastic, wood, PVC, or some combination of these materials during installation or major repair. Of course, there are different varieties to consider such as reciprocating saw for compact spaces or jigsaw for complicated cuts.
– PPE Kit: A personal protective equipment kit is a non-negotiable for HVAC professionals during major repairs or installations. These include safety glasses, industrial-grade gloves, steel-toed boots, and some form of duct mask to protect the technicians from exposure to harmful fumes or particles.
– Lockout/Tagout Devices: Any HVAC professional following the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines will have lockout/tagout devices in their arsenal. They aid in isolating and disengaging equipment when not in use so they don’t start unexpectedly while the technician is in a compromised position.
– Safety Harness: Many HVAC systems are situated in high-rise buildings or elevated areas such as the roof. Therefore, having a safety harness becomes mandatory for experts to prevent any injury from falls.
Conclusion
In the end, an HVAC system is an amalgamation of numerous components and devices. Therefore, to maintain and repair them effectively, it is necessary to have these 10 tools available and ready at all times. Apart from these tools, special attention should be given to the filtration system as most problems stem from this area of the HVAC unit.
